
Sustainable Sewing & Crafting
An informative and inspiring newsletter for hobbyists and handmade sellers alike.
The Art of Custom Bag Design
This week I’ve been leaning into sustainable sewing—shopping my shelves first and keeping my cutting simple so there’s less waste and more joy. Thoughtful making feels good. It also reminds me why I love bag design: with a few rectangles, the right structure, and a bit of imagination, we can tur...
by Andrea Chapman —
Aug 28, 2025
amc-e
sewing community
sewspire
sewspire studio 365
Sew Smarter: A Bag Cost Calculator for Sustainable Makers
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If you care about creating products with real (or perceived) value, I built something just for us. The new Sewspire Bag Cost Calculator helps you see the true cost of a handmade bag—so you can honor your time, materials, and values. In a few minutes you can tabulate fabric (including thrifted ...
by Andrea Chapman —
Aug 21, 2025
bag maker calculator
sewing calculator
Eary Access to My New Tutorial!
Hello, lovely creators! As subscribers to my weekly email I am pleased to offer you early access to my Campus Companion Tutorial on YouTube. The free video is a supplement to the detailed 20+ page PDF sold in the Sewspire Etsy Shop. Using both the video and the PDF will allow you...
by Andrea Chapman —
Aug 14, 2025
sewing tutorial
studio organization
studio tour
Sewspire Doodle Bags (Free PDF and 6 videos)
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When I first embarked on my sewing journey, I found commercial patterns challenging to decipher. Back then, YouTube wasn't as accessible a resource as it is today. My breakthrough came when I started designing my own bags using simple shapes easily cut with a ruler and mat.Â
My early bag desig...
by Andrea Chapman —
Aug 07, 2025
bag-making tutorials
creative sewing community
dimensional sketches
fabric planning
handmade projects
sewing inspiration
sewing techniques
simple bag designs
sustainable sewing
visual learning
Sewing with Heart: Adding Function and Sustainability to Your Creations
Hello Creative Hearts!
I embarked on this handamde journey in 2006, with a focus on excellence in craftsmanship, and have since honed a curiosity and passion for functionality. When I began my business, the idea was to showcase handmade goods from talented makers. I was quick to see how those ear...
by Andrea Chapman —
Jul 31, 2025
adding function
bag design
sewing
Sewing Through the Chaos: Creative Updates & Inspiration!
Hello Sewspire Family,
This week has been an adventure! With everything happening in the world, I'm contemplating stepping away from the news for some peace of mind, though it’s hard to look away completely. At home, life’s been a whirlwind with surprises like a flat tire, dog emergencies, back-t...
by Andrea Chapman —
Jul 24, 2025
amc
design
sewing
Design with Purpose: Crafting What You Truly Need
The most impactful designs don't just exist to be sold; they're born from a genuine need. My journey into bag design began precisely this way, creating custom diaper bags for new moms—including myself—who craved practical features like stroller straps, elastic sippy cup holders, and perfectly si...
by Andrea Chapman —
Jul 17, 2025
amc masterclass
bag design
custom bags
sewing community
sewspire studio
Transform Your Sewing Space with the Sewspire Studio Cleaning Method
Introduction: Bringing Order to Your Creative Space
Creating a functional and inspiring sewing space can significantly enhance your crafting experience. With the Sewspire Studio Cleaning Method, you can transform your studio into a well-organized haven of creativity. Here’s how I recently revital...
by Andrea Chapman —
Jul 10, 2025
crafting
creative space
decluttering
sewing space
sewing tips
sewspire
studio organization
sustainable crafting
Last Chance! Studio 365 and Tote Bag Giveaway
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What a week it's been!
(Deep breath, friends! Let's chat for a few minutes.)
We'll start with some happy news. Last week I shared a new tutorial featuring a 12" quilt block tote bag, finished with French seams. I'm thrilled to announce that our lucky newsletter subscriber, Jackie Maitre, is...
by Andrea Chapman —
Jul 03, 2025
bag making masterclass
conscious crafting
creative community
diy sewing projects
eco-friendly sewing
fabric organization
french seams tutorial
handmade bags
sewspire community
sustainable crafting
Embrace the Art of Creative Sewing
Hello, Sewspirers!
This week, I'm thrilled to share insights on embracing creativity in our sewing journey while upholding our theme of sustainable crafting. Have you ever dared to break the sewing rules? If not, consider this your official invitation to be a curious creator!
Use What You Have, W...
by Andrea Chapman —
Jun 26, 2025
community
creative crafting
fusible fleece
lifetime access
masterclass amc
quilted coat
sewing techniques
sustainable sewing
Unveiling The FFF Method: Master Sustainable Bag-Making in Andrea's Class
In the vibrant world of sewing, we're always looking for ways to express our creativity, connect with our community, and make beautiful things. But what if we could do all of that while also making a positive impact on the planet? At Sewspire Studio 365, we believe in sustainable sewing, and I'm...
by Andrea Chapman —
Jun 19, 2025
amc
andrea's master class
bag making class
Sewing My Dream Coat: A Journey of Art, Fabric, and Community
From Frustration to Fulfillment: My Sewing Journey and a Dream Project!
My early sewing days were, to put it mildly, full of frustration. It took me over a decade to truly find my rhythm, to reach a point where I didn't just enjoy sewing, but actually craved it. That sweet spot, where time melte...
by Andrea Chapman —
Jun 12, 2025
elemental coat
patchwork coat
Sustainable Sewing & Crafting
